The ketamine has worn off and House is back to using his cane. New patient is Ezra Powell, a renowned pioneer in the field of medical research. Increasingly debilitated, Ezra demands a stop to the medical tests and help him end his life.

House, Cuddy, and Wilson go to a medical conference and meet an old friend, while the team deal with a girl whose appendages have swollen but she refuses to tell them the truth about the events leading up to her illness.

When a campaign manager falls ill with liver failure and temporary paralysis in the midst of an election race, the team must look to the manager's candidate and his surprising announcement in order to solve the case.